Last November, Cruz defeated Democratic challenger
Paul Sadler to become the first Latino U.S. Senator from Texas. He
succeeded retiring Republican Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, who had held
the position since 1993.

Cruz secured an upset victory over Lt. Gov. David
Dewhurst to win the Republican senatorial nomination. Cruz credited the
victory to the support he received from Tea Party members and grassroots
conservatives. In the campaign, Cruz painted the mainstream GOP choice
Dewhurst as being too moderate.

In his first three months in office, Cruz has been viewed by some as a troublemaker in the Senate, often voting contrary to the GOP mainstays.
While the approach has been questioned nationally, Cruz is making good
on promises to be absolute in his adherence to conservative principles.